Paul W. Duren

WAUNAKEE - Paul William Duren, husband, father, grandfather, mentor and most recently farmer and axeman, was called home in the early morning hours on Wednesday, March 11, 2015, prematurely bringing to an end a storied life. Paul was born Aug. 28, 1946, the youngest of eight children born to Jacob and Clara (Bodendein) Duren in Cazenovia. Growing up in rural Wisconsin, Paul developed a lifetime love of hobby farming and experiencing the sights, smells and sounds unique to the woods, eventually purchasing his parents farm that has been in the Duren family since the 1800s. After graduating from Weston High School, he was drafted into the United States Army serving in the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1968. After coming back from Vietnam, he met and married Mary Lou Cinkovich 45 years ago on June 14, 1969. Together Paul and Mary Lou raised their three children in Waunakee, where Paul worked over 35 years for Marshall Erdman and Techline USA, retiring in 2012 as General Manager. Before he retired, and despite finishing second from the bottom of his high school class, he proudly went on to receive his Executive MBA from UW Madison Business School. While raising their children, Paul spent years volunteering his time to Waunakee youth sports. He organized the youth basketball program for 4th-6th grade boys and girls, organized the local T-Ball program and helped to start the very first Waunakee Middle School football team. Following retirement, Paul was able to spend more time with his family, especially his grandkids, and more time at his family farm in Cazenovia. He was also able to return to his love of coaching with the 8th Grade Waunakee football program. Paul will be fondly remembered as a true family man who was always there to help his kids and grandkids succeed not only in athletics, but in life. His patience and wisdom facilitated who they have become today and will in the future. Paul will be truly missed in the bleachers as a familiar fixture at youth sporting events. Paul is survived by his wife, Mary Lou of Waunakee; two sons, Christopher (Jessica) Duren of Waunakee and Michael (Jennifer) Duren of Sterling, Va.; daughter, Gena (Rich) Voights, of Waunakee; grandchildren, Bryk Austin, James, Ryen, Madelyn, Jack and Jake Duren and Isabella and Brigham Borseth; a sister, Jeanette; and a brother, Jerry. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Donald, Dean, Joseph, and Raymond; his sister, Janice (Duren) Braun and his beloved pets, Brittany and Daisy. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC CHURCH, 209 South St., Waunakee, on Monday, March 16, 2015 beginning at 3 p.m. with Monsignor James Gunn presiding. A visitation will be held at the church on Monday from 1 p.m. until the time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in memory of Paul. Pauls family wishes to thank the Waunakee EMS and Police Dept., St. Marys Hospital, in particular Father Pat, Agrace HospiceCare and Dr. James Nettum for their exceptional care and support. Also thank you to St. Johns Catholic Church and All Faiths Funeral Home for their assistance as well as the kind words from family and friends. All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services Madison (608)442-0477 www.866allfaiths.com